The thirteen stripes which now distinguish our national flag were first unfurled by Washington, when in command of the American forces which surrounded Boston, after the Battle of Bunker Hill, and before the Declaration of Independence. Thus early was this emblem of Union consecrated to Freedom. Our great chief at once gave to the new ensign a name which may speak to us still. In a letter, written at the time, he calls it the Union Flag, and declares why it was first displayed. His language is, that he had "_hoisted the UNION FLAG in compliment to the UNITED Colonies_."[96] Afterwards, on the 14th of June, 1777, by a resolution of the Continental Congress, the stars and stripes were formally adopted as the flag of the _United States_. [96] Letter to Joseph Reed, Jan. 4, 1776: Writings, ed. Sparks, Vol. III. p. 225. This piece of history suggests a sentiment which I beg leave to offer. _Our National Flag._ First hoisted before Boston, as the emblem of Union for the sake of Freedom. Wherever it floats, may it never fail to inspire the sentiments in which it had its origin! I have the honor to be, dear Sir, Your faithful servant, CHARLES SUMNER. Hon. BENJAMIN SEAVER, Chairman of the Committee, &c., &c. * * * * * UNION AGAINST THE SECTIONALISM OF SLAVERY. LETTER TO A FREE-SOIL CONVENTION AT WORCESTER, JULY 6, 1852. This Convention was organized with the following officers: Hon. Stephen C. Phillips, of Salem, President,--William Davis, of Plymouth, Gershom B. Weston, of Duxbury, Edward L. Keyes, of Dedham, William B. Spooner, of Boston, John G. Palfrey, of Cambridge, John B. Alley, of Lynn, Samuel E. Sewall, of Stoneham, John W. Graves, of Lowell, John Milton Earle, of Worcester, William Jackson, of Newton, Rodolphus B. Hubbard, of Sunderland, Caleb Swan, of Easton, Joel Hayden, of Williamsburg, William M. Walker, of Pittsfield, Vice-Presidents,--Robert Carter, of Cambridge, George F. Hoar, of Worcester, S.B. Howe, of Lowell, Andrew J. Aiken, of North Adams, S.L. Gere, of Northampton, Secretaries. The resolutions were reported by Hon. Henry Wilson. WASHINGTON CITY, July 3, 1852. Dear Sir,--The true and well-tried friends of Freedom in Massachusetts are about to assemble at Worcester. It will not be in my power to be with them, to catch the contagion of their enthusiasm, to be strengthened by their determination, and to learn anew from eloquent lips the grandeur of our cause and the exigency of our duties. But I confidently look to them for trumpet words which shall again rally the country against the _sectionalism_ of Slavery.